New trucks at the Detroit Auto Show 2018: Everything you need to know

Fuel is cheap and people are working, so the Detroit Big Three imagine it's time to make hay while the sun shines, investing large amounts of time and money in truck development.

The Detroit Auto Show 2018 was a test of this, as we saw three new truck debuts, each more full of technology than the last. Let's take a look at the most important truck debuts at this year's North American International Auto Show.

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All the cool trucks at the Detroit Auto Show

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Ford Ranger 2019

The Ranger returned to the United States for the first time since 2011, and we believe the children would refer to it as "Illuminated AF." We would agree. The Ford Ranger 2019 is looking to kick sand in the face of the Chevy Colorado with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, possibly the Mustang unit if we're lucky, because that would make the Ranger the most powerful model. in your segment and open a ton of fun adjustment possibilities. Some of the internal parts have been retouched for truck service, but we are optimistic.

The Ranger also benefits from some Raptor technology in the form of its ground management system, which will help drivers avoid problems once they leave the sidewalk. Other highlights include frame-mounted steel bumpers, an aluminum hatchback and tailgate, and a standard emergency backup and rear-view camera.

We hope the Ranger will sell like crazy, and we can not wait to get to work. Ford has remained silent as to the possibility of obtaining a Raptor version of the Ranger, since it exists in other markets, but we are crossing all the fingers and toes with the hope that it will happen.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado

The Chevrolet pick-up truck gets some pretty serious updates for 2019. The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado is based on a completely new architecture, which means that unlike the previous version, you are no longer caught in a technological change over time. Now you have access to great things like wireless charging and the available start push button, which were not available in the past, although I'm sure some people will regret the lack of an appropriate key.

The General tells us that the Silverado will initially get two V8 engine options: a 5.3-liter and a 6.2-liter, although the power and torque figures have not yet been released. We know that they will come with a new fuel management system that will allow the deactivation of between one and seven cylinders to save fuel. There is also a choice of 3.0-liter diesel in line 6 on the horizon, which is screwed to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

While the face of the new Silverado may be more than a little polarizing, the fact that Chevy has managed to save 450 pounds from the truck is impressive. This is done by selectively replacing the steel with aluminum, although the floor of the bed is still made of steel, as the representatives of Chevrolet are quick to point out. However, although losing the weight of a silverback gorilla does not make the Silverado the truck equivalent to a Lotus, that weight savings will pay off in driving and saving fuel.

2019 Ram 1500

The line of full-size Ram trucks has long been the choice of someone looking for a host of amenities combined with the ability to carry a bed full of manure. That has not changed. The interior of 2019 Ram 1500 now has plenty of extra space thanks to a wheelbase that is 4 inches longer. The rear seats can now be heated and cooled, as well as with eight degrees of recline.

This time, Ram is setting the technology dial to 11 with an optional 12-inch touch-screen infotainment system that essentially functions as two systems UConnect that run at the same time. All of our favorite UConnect features are there, including a configurable hot lane and excellent responsiveness. This design totally changes the rules of the game in a truck, and we hope that it makes the competition raise its game.

Buyers can initially choose between two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine or the venerable 5.7-liter Hemi V8, both with an optional eTorque electric hybrid system that helps increase torque when needed. The V6 has a power of 305 horsepower and 269 foot-pounds, while the Hemi produces 395 horsepower and 410 foot-pounds. A diesel option will be available in 2019, too. For once, it will not be the only oil burner in the class, now that Chevrolet and Ford plan to offer lightweight diesel engines in the near future as well.

As you can see, the trucks do not seem to be returning to their Spartan and utilitarian roots in the short term and we are happy. It's also great to see that the mid-sized truck segment gets hotter with Detroit giving Japan a real competition for the first time in a couple of years.

We can not wait to manage these three renewed testosterone magnets, and we'll make sure to tell you all about them when we do.